Odds to Be Next Los Angeles Lakers Head Coach After Vogel Fired – Mark Jackson, Nick Nurse, & Doc Rivers Top Names
- Mark Jackson is favored to be the Lakers’ next head coach following the firing of Frank Vogel
- Nick Nurse, Doc Rivers and David Fizdale have also been linked with the vacancy
- Which candidates are most likely to replace Vogel?
The Lakers fired Frank Vogel in unceremonious fashion at the end of the regular season after one of the most disappointing campaigns in NBA history. Speculation of Vogel’s future has been rife all season long, though it has obviously ramped up since the news officially broke. The Lakers are once again looking for a new head coach.
Mark Jackson is the early favorite following reports that LeBron James would be ‘enthused’ by the hire. Nick Nurse, Doc Rivers and David Fizdale are also in the mix, while Jazz head coach Quin Snyder is level with Terry Stotts at +700.
Next Lakers Head Coach Odds
| Candidate | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mark Jackson | +300 |
| Doc Rivers | +500 |
| David Fizdale | +500 |
| Nick Nurse | +600 |
| Quin Snyder | +700 |
| Terry Stotts | +700 |
| Mike Brown | +800 |
| Sam Cassell | +900 |
| Juwan Howard | +1000 |
| Steve Clifford | +1000 |
| Kenny Atkinson | +1200 |
| Stan Van Gundy | +2000 |
| Jeff Van Gundy | +3300 |
| Becky Hammon | +5000 |
| Phil Handy | +5000 |
| Rich Paul | +10000 |
| Magic Johnson | +10000 |
Odds as of April 12th
An intriguing move would be Juwan Howard returning to the NBA to coach his former Heat teammate. However, reports are that Howard wants to continue coaching the Michigan program as both of his sons are on the roster. Stotts and Steve Clifford have been some of the early names thrown around by various NBA insiders.
LeBron Keen on Mark Jackson
It’s no secret that LeBron James holds sway in the franchises he plays for. He hasn’t always got exactly what he wants at the Lakers, yet LeBron’s opinion is clearly a factor as the Lakers search for yet another head coach.
It has been reported that the four-time MVP would welcome the hiring of Mark Jackson as head coach. Sam Amick of The Athletic reported, “Sources say James would be very enthused by the prospect of Mark Jackson landing the job. But as history tells us, that doesn’t mean it will actually happen.”
Of course, James was similarly keen on landing Ty Lue when the Lakers were replacing Luke Walton. Lue famously turned down the Lakers and has ended up in charge of the Clippers, leading them to nine more wins than their city rivals despite Paul George and Kawhi Leonard playing a combined 31 games in the regular season.
This is the coaching equivalent of LeBron pushing for the Russ trade over Buddy. I cannot emphasize that enough. Hiring Mark Jackson would be THAT bad. https://t.co/TQ5qbx9c1c
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) April 12, 2022
Kevin Durant reportedly also wanted Jackson as head coach of the Nets not so long ago. Jackson, of course, didn’t get that job, and he hasn’t coached in the NBA since 2014.
No Chance at Nurse
Nick Nurse might a surprise name in this market given his iconic status in Toronto. Nurse is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and has ultimate job security north of the border, which would never be the case in Los Angeles. He is, however, represented by Klutch Sports, leading to links with the Lakers vacancy.
Sure, Nurse would get to coach LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Perhaps he has a better chance at a title in 2023. But the reality is that this is no more than a pipedream for the Lakers’ hierarchy. Toronto has no reason to let Nurse go, and giving up what he has in Toronto for the circus that is the Lakers would be a questionable move at best.
"I'm told a significant top target for them is Nick Nurse."
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania reports on potential candidates that could replace Frank Vogel as head coach of the Lakers. #TheRally pic.twitter.com/GkKtOyTj2R
— The Rally (@TheRally) April 11, 2022
After all, the Raptors are the five seed with a very real chance at making the second round. The Lakers didn’t make the Play-In Tournament.
Doc Rivers Gets Another Shot
It doesn’t take much imagination to picture the Sixers moving on from Doc Rivers. Expectations are sky-high in Philadelphia, and a playoff disappointment is likely. Rivers isn’t exactly the coach for the Sixers to overcome their flaws, and he could be on the market again this offseason.
We know the Lakers are likely to pursue a big name. It is the very identity of the organization and the ‘championship experience’ of Rivers has lured in many a franchise despite his postseason failings both before and after 2008.
Quin Snyder is "less interested" in joining Lakers due to the handling of Frank Vogel's firing, per Broderick Turner of @latimes pic.twitter.com/165Yuw5mXs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 12, 2022
The David Fizdale link is obvious, too. With both priced at +500, they are far better value than either of Jackson or Nurse at this stage. Fizdale’s relationship with LeBron is well-publicized, which could be enough to overcome his woeful stint with the Knicks.
Juwan Howard rumors are inevitable, and he’s one of the few longer odds options that could be a decent bet. Quin Snyder is reportedly less interested in the job after how Vogel was treated, though he’s worth keeping an eye on here with the Utah Jazz probably on their way into an eventful offseason.
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Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
